Connection & Communication Across Generations

Written By Kayla Fluder

In honor of Better Speech and Hearing Month, I’d love to take this opportunity to draw attention to what speech and language are all about—communication and connection. And what could be more important than connecting with the ones we love?

For the senior population, communication and connection are especially important to overall well-being. Research overwhelmingly supports the benefits of seniors who participate in social activities and maintain regular communication—these individuals experience improved general health, increased mobility, reduced fall risk, and a lower likelihood of conditions such as dementia and depression.

Whether it's with grandchildren, great-nieces and nephews, or the children of friends, it’s ideal to prepare for meaningful visits filled with opportunities for connection across generations. With the school year winding down, this is a nice opportunity to reflect on ways we can enjoy time with the wonderful children in our lives.

A lovely idea I like to suggest to those looking to strengthen their connection is to establish a “Kid Caddy” for your home. Imagine having a ready-to-go caddy (example here) that can be easily pulled out to entertain your special visitors—something that’s engaging and encourages quality time together. We often hear from seniors that, although they adore and look forward to these visits, they worry about staying engaged—especially when competing with technology like television, iPads, and phones.

I'd love to provide some suggestions to help increase social communication and ensure we can fully enjoy each other’s company during these precious visits.

For Young Children:

There are so many fun ways to spend time together with young kiddos. You don’t need a house full of toys to enjoy time together. I recommend including the following in your Kid Caddy:

Also consider establishing a sweet tradition, such as making ice cream sundaes during visits or a special snack together.

For Older Children:

Older children present a wonderful opportunity to share memories, wisdom, and traditions. If you feel that technology is becoming a distraction during visits, consider creating a “no phone zone” in your home, with a designated space to store devices (with parental permission, of course).

Here are a few meaningful ways to connect:

  • Fill out a life journal together
    Journal 1 | Journal 2
    Journal 3 | Journal 4
    Journal 5

  • Reminiscing cards
    Example

  • Watch a sports game on TV with a special snack

  • Have a “Throwback” movie night with a classic, age-appropriate film (with parental approval/age-appropriate rating)

  • Teach a favorite family or cultural recipe

  • Use “Get to Know Me” journals or cards
    Option 1 | Option 2

  • Share your skills by teaching, like crocheting, knitting, sewing, or loom work

Another wonderful resource that would support intergenerational communication and connection is the Remento program. This program allows a chosen question to be sent to you weekly by the young person in your life where you then respond via video and the application transcribes it into a meaningful book—including audio!
Learn more here

Being prepared and having easy, fun opportunities to connect with the children in your life can lead to lasting memories and visits full of meaningful time —without being dominated by screens or passive activities. These are the days to share and enjoy, surrounded by those we cherish. Don’t forget, you can visit our products page to find the items featured in this article.

“Children need the wisdom of their elders; the aging need the encouragement of a child’s exuberance.”
— Corrie Ten Boom

Written by Dina Holland, MS-CCC SLP CDP

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Kayla Fluder
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